'Arrow': How it will differ from 'Smallville'

The CW’s Arrow is going to be pretty different from the Green Arrow character on the network’s recently retired hit Smallville. Think Bourne Identity with lots of arrows.

Fans of the DC Comics archer figured they were in for a change the moment the project was announced. The producers include Greg Berlanti (Everwood), Marc Guggenheim (FlashForward), and Andrew Kreisberg (Vampire Diaries, Fringe). Then the formidable-looking Stephen Amell was cast, taking over the role from Smallville‘s Justin Hartley.

CW’s development head Thom Sherman tells EW.com there will be several other differences as well.

“It’s a very provocative and sophisticated and edgy,” Sherman says of the Arrow pilot. “It’s not as comic book-y as Smallville or other [superhero projects] from other networks.”

Sherman has developed a buzzworthy slate of new pilots for fall consideration, including Arrow. He says the character feel more like more akin to Jason Bourne-type than a superhero who relies on super powers or gadgets. Arrow’s backstory that will be revealed slowly during the first episode.

“He doesn’t have any superpowers, he’s a very grounded character like a Jason Bourne — we use the term ‘Rambo,'” Sherman said [note: quote corrected]. “His skill-set is that he’s an archer, but he also have physical strength and prowess. He’s clever and able to devise ways of taking down a bad guy that are unique and fun to watch.”